Ultimate Skii & Winter Escapes in Tohoku! Stay at the frontstep of the slopes at EN RESORT Grandeco on this 2-day trip of ski and snowy thrills.
Nestled in the serene Bandai area, where pristine rivers flow and some 300 lakes dot the landscape, EN RESORT Grandeco is the nature-dredged oasis you’ll find at the base of Mount Nishi-Daiten and the western edge of the Azuma mountain range. Come and rediscover all the joys of long skiing and the snowboarding season thanks to the region's high snowfall records and even higher altitude, all kissed with the promise of exceptional snow. Glide through the dreamy powder snow on slopes with breathtaking views of the Ura-Bandai landscape. Below is a roundup of how to fully enjoy a 2-day trip of skiing and snow play at EN RESORT Grandeco, primed for you to head straight to the slopes from the hotel, even without bringing any gear.
How to get to EN RESORT Grandeco?
You can reach EN RESORT Grandeco from Tokyo in about 3 hours. Start by taking the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Koriyama Station in Fukushima Prefecture. Then, transfer to the JR Banetsu West Line and head for Inawashiro Station. From Inawashiro Station, you can easily access the resort via a free shuttle bus. During the winter season, there's also the option of a paid shuttle bus from JR Koriyama Station to the resort, available with prior reservation, offering even more convenient access.
Arrive at the Enchanting Hotel with Ski-in/Ski-out Access
Upon arrival at the EN RESORT Grandeco, which is centered around the "EN RESORT Grandeco Hotel," you're first greeted by a lounge with a cozy fire pit. Beyond it, large glass windows reveal a breathtaking view of a silver-white world. Check-in procedures start from 7 AM on the day of check-in. Lockers and changing rooms are available for storing large luggage, offering peace of mind for those arriving with heavy bags via public transportation.
Rentals are available so you can arrive almost empty-handed.
The hotel features a rental corner where you can borrow ski equipment and gear. If you provide your height, weight, and shoe size in advance, they'll have a full set of skis, boots, and other equipment ready for you, making the handover process much smoother. Keep in mind that accessories like hats and gloves are not available for rent, so you should bring your own or consider purchasing them at the hotel shop.
Directly from the Hotel to the Slopes!
One of the best perks of EN RESORT Grandeco is the ski-in/ski-out capability. You can head directly from the hotel to the slopes, and conversely, by sliding down the "Hotel Road" course, you can return directly from the slopes to the hotel.
Join a Beginner-Friendly Crash Course and Take to the Powder Snow
Since the slope from the hotel to the ski area is somewhat steep, most novice skiers and groups with children opt for the shuttle service provided by the hotel to get to the resort. The ski resort is located at the base of the mountain at an elevation of 1,010 meters, meaning you’re in for the best of snow quality. Not to mention the gondola's summit reaches an elevation of 1,390 meters, and the peak of the course is at an impressive 1,590 meters, where you can enjoy even finer powder snow. What’s more, the base of the mountain keeps a Mountain Center equipped with rest areas and restaurants, and the Patrol Headquarters houses an orthopedic clinic for professional care in the off chance case of an accident.
Veteran Instructors Provide Thorough Lessons
Gear up for detailed lessons by experience instructors at the ski school. They start with basics like how to put on skis and how to walk on snow. Then, you'll take the gondola up to the 1,390-meter elevation point. The fluffy, soft snow makes it easy to ski and cushions falls, so you can glide with confidence. Another allure of this slope is the majestic scenery. The instructors are also knowledgeable about the surrounding mountains, so you can enjoy skiing while soaking in the natural beauty.
Intermediate and Advanced Skiers Head to the 1,590m Course Peak
With a variety of courses, including a 1,400m long run and slopes with a 33-degree incline, there's plenty for intermediate and advanced skiers to enjoy. From the course peak at an elevation of 1,590m, you can look down on the mountains and lakes of Ura-Bandai from even higher vantage points.
Mouth-Watering Lunch Awaits at Two Different Restaurants
After about two hours of ski school, it's time for lunch. The ski resort features two restaurants, one at the gondola summit and the other at the base, each offering distinct culinary experiences. At BUNABUNA at the gondola summit, you can enjoy Western cuisine while taking in the views of nature, with around 400 seats available. At Deco Café at the base, you can savor dishes unique to Fukushima.
After checking in, enjoy some downtime relaxing around a campfire.
You can check into the hotel after 3 PM, so feel free to return to the hotel at your preferred time. From 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM, you can enjoy marshmallows around a campfire. All guest rooms are spacious, with each room measuring over 33 square meters. Whether you choose to relax in your room, the lounge, or take advantage of the ski-in/ski-out access for more skiing, spend your time in the way that you enjoy the most.
Kick Back at the Dinner buffet with a peaceful evening.
Dinner features a delightful buffet of some 50 dishes. The cuisine, prepared using natural spring water from Onogawa that flows around the hotel, is varied each season but promises each dish a fine finish. Special attention is given to ingredients, including Fukushima Prefecture Wagyu beef for the roast beef and exceptionally fresh vegetables.
Catch the starry night at an open-air bath with its expansive snowy landscape.
Once full and happy its time to join the stargazers. Guided by the staff, you'll move to a spot away from the hotel lights. Look up to see a sky full of stars. Using the star chart provided in advance, try to spot constellations like Orion and Cassiopeia. After stargazing, head to the large public bath. Soaking in the open-air bath with a view of the snowy landscape will warm your chilled body and refresh both your mind and body.
Fully Recharged at the breakfast buffet after morning activities.
Mornings at EN RESORT Grandeco start with a walk. The morning walk, open to all guests, features a guide explaining about the surrounding mountains and the forest in front of the hotel while strolling. After some light exercise, it's time for breakfast. The morning also offers a buffet style, with a variety of Japanese and Western dishes to enjoy.
On the second day, its time to hit the snow!
Even after checking out, feel free to leave your luggage at the hotel and enjoy skiing to the fullest for the rest of your time. The hotel offers a full rolodex of snow activities. Guests can partake in thrilling activities like snow rafting, where you ride a rubber boat pulled by a snowmobile across the snow, and snowmobile riding experiences specifically for children in elementary school and younger, all for free.
Details of EN RESORT Grandeco Hotel
- Name in Japanese
- EN RESORT Grandeco Hotel
- Postal Code
- 969-2701
- Address
- 1082 Arasunasawayama, Hibara, Kitashiobaramura, Yamagun, Fukushima
- Telephone
- 0241-32-3200
- Closed
- Open every day
- Check-in
- 3:00pm
- Check-out
- 11:00am
- Admission
- From 18,000 yen per person when used by 2 people in one room (including breakfast, dinner, and lift ticket)
- Access
- About 40 minutes by free shuttle bus from Inawashiro Station on the JR Banetsu West Line
- Credit Cards
- Accepted
- Official Website
- Official Website (English)
Official FAQs
Q
Is early check-in or late check-out possible?
Subject to availability. An additional charge of 6,000 yen or more applies for every 3-hour extension. Luggage storage is available from 7 AM.
Q
Can you accommodate foreign languages? (If yes, please specify which languages.)
We can accommodate English and Chinese. The school only supports English.
Q
Do you offer luggage forwarding services to the airport or train station?
No, we do not offer such services.
Q
Can I store my luggage at the hotel after checking out?
Yes, you can store your luggage after checking out.
Wrap-Up
Take a two-day sojourn into the best of skiing amidst majestic mountains and pristine nature. The gentle slopes are beginner-friendly, while the steep gradients offer excitement for advanced skiers. No matter what your level, the dry, fluffy powder snow is sure to keep you coming back for more. With such easy access just steps from the slopes, staying here means you can bank on getting the most of your time on the slopes, even if setting out from the early morning. To top it off, the hotel is brimming with top-notch programming, activities and truly unforgettable cuisine. For your next winter trip, keep a tabs on this spot for the best of ski resort vibes with exceptional activities.